I think at this point in the season, it would be interesting to see what people make of Hill's signings so far, I'll give it a go.
Please bear in mind I didn't attend the Swansea game.
Wiseman 6/10
A confidence player, When playing with confidence attacks well, great pace, and can go round players. Defensively doesn’t read the game too well, but multi-positional and an important team player.
McNulty 7/10
Not physical enough for a centre half, but makes up for it with pace, distribution, and reading of the game. Most improved player since the start of the season.
Edwards 6/10
Reads the game well, lacks pace. Decent cover good signing (for free)
Addison 6/10
Had a decent run of games recently. Very strong, very physical. But as a defensive midfielder, lacks the ability to hit long passes. It’s like having a centre back in midfield, and with they style of play we employ I can’t see him as a permanent fixture.
Perkins 7/10
Works harder than any player I have seen at Oakwell for a long time. Perkins has all the qualities of a box to box midfielder, but physically is often beaten (although he does get stuck in), rarely wins the ball in the air, but great touch and excellent at tidying up defensively. Needs a rest.
Done 5/10
Struggles to make an impact on most of the games he plays in, has some ability to create and cross the ball out wide, but often looks lost in the centre of midfield. Not as quick as I would like him to be.
Vaz Te 8/10 (When he shows up)
Although he was hopeless at Donny (last game I went to), and Hill makes it clear he is incomplete, and an impact player, he is our most dangerous. We need to accommodate him, simply because he is always a threat from anywhere on the pitch. Also his heading technique is fantastic (goal against Cardiff), and we got him for free
Davies 8/10
9 Goals so far for free. Physically powerful, quick, and can hit the ball excellently from long range. Can improve on awareness, but due to his pace and power is a constant danger. And once again we got him for free!
Overall I think each of these players have made a postitve impact, and the shoe string we built the team on has gone a long way. Well done Keith Hill
Feel free to tear this to shreds.
Signings so far
posted on 8/1/12
Interesting post, no doubt everyone will have a different opinion. For what it's worth...
Wiseman 7/10
Dodgy start to the season in my opinion, and has taken a while to climatise. But definitely getting better. Has pace and can beat players at this level.
McNulty 6/10
Should stick to doing what centre halves should do. Win headers and clear the ball. Surprised with your assessment. I think his distribution is shocking and he loses possession far too often, trying to 'play the ball'. He's not as good on the ball as he obviously thinks
Edwards 7/10
McNulty is obviously Hill's favourite and Edwards has suffered from injury. However, I think he's a much more dependable centre-half than McNulty
Addison 6/10
Dodgy start, but getting stronger. Improved performances might see Hill look for a season-loan. He is however, galactically slow. Any midfielder with pace, will always leave him standing.
Perkins 8/10
Has short comings against superior opposition and needs the right player alongside him. But his workrate and tenacity mean he is effective 8 times out of 10. Has adapted to this level very quickly and I think he will only get better. Obviously he'll never get bigger though. Hill's shrewdest signing IMO
Done 5/10
I think we have been. In seriousness, I just don't think he's adapted to this level at all. Shows glimpses, but that's it. Disappointing, given that he's a lefty. I think he'll find himself back in League 1, in the not too distant future. Hope i'm wrong though
Vaz Te 9/10
A revelation, hence the rating. You have to consider his playing history, to recognise what a renaissance this has been, i.e. literally done nothing - anywhere - even in Scotland. Yes, he doesn't have the workrate of Perkins. But so what, he's scored 12 goals in 21 games. My concern is BFC and Hill's obsession with workrate. He's not a luxury player - he scores goals. Without them, we would be in REAL trouble this season. We should move heaven & earth to extend his contract. I fear however, he will get frozen out, for someone who runs 15k every game and scores 6 goals a season
Davies 7/10
Very nearly an 8. He's had a purple patch of late and is getting gradually better. I think he will suffer if we continue to play him up front as a lone striker. Much better with someone alongside him. Seems a confidence player and his head tends to go down quickly
posted on 8/1/12
Generally speaking, they cost a couple of farthings and a few rubber bands...along with lowish wage bills..
The boys Hillcroft done good...
posted on 9/1/12
We should tempt Stock away from Donny and put Addison at the back where he makes sense, we would concede less goals for a start.
How many rubber bands does a lower leagues player cost anyway and do you put them in a giant bag or make one of those massive rubber band balls with thahsands of em wrapped round?
posted on 10/1/12
I am going to agree with Spart.
At the start of the season we were all a little underwhelmed when each of the purchases were announced (All you have to do is look at pages 10 and 11 of this site to see a few fans prediciting us going down).
Thankfully the lads have done well and although they may seem a little out of place at times I have to admit that I am pretty happy with them.